Used to be like that for me too Richard, BUT now Aus Post has a policy of needing the package marked "Permission to Leave", otherwise they WILL card it - up here at least anyway. I had a similar deal with my local contractor (who is a great bloke and has an 8" Dob
), but he now cannot do it.
All the courier companies DO know to leave my stuff in a certain secure location though - Pack n Send guy will take it to his home for me to collect after hours, or will even drop it off on his way home if I will be home.